Yalumba 'The Strapper' 2014

5/15/18 The wines from Yalumba’s esteemed portfolio always over deliver and this GSM blend is a case in point. The nose is quite engaging with cherry, raspberry and darker red berry notes that are nuanced with some spice, herbs and floral notes with a touch of earthiness. Not big in terms of its body and weight, this is medium fuller with a smooth textural feel and riper, perfectly integrated tannins. Finishing long and persistent, this plays its core of juicy and lifted fruit against a savory background that adds a nice mix of funkiness that brings an extra dimension to the whole package. Made for anything grilled, this is showing well as we speak, but has at least 3-4 more years of great drinking pleasure in front of it.

Food
Accompaniments

Lamb chops, grilled sausage, peppered steak

Awards,
Reviews and other Notes

92 pts Wine & Spirits
Yalumba’s affordable GSM blend is brisk and energized in 2014, emphasizing the gamey scents of mataro in its notes of leather and spicy funk. It feels cool and zesty, with floral notes that bring to mind desert flowers. There’s nothing sweet or heavy about it, just a graceful red that will enliven most anything meaty off the grill.
91 pts Wine Spectator 'Smart Buys' 12/15/17
Fragrant, with dried lavender, white pepper and green tea notes to complement the firm kirsch, cherry and anise core, this is harmonious, especially on the finish, where the details expand. Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Drink now through 2023. 90 pts Vinous Oct 2017
Bright ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented cherry and raspberry aromas, joined in the glass by subtle licorice and cracked pepper nuances. Offers appealingly sweet red fruit liqueur and floral pastille flavors and shows a smooth, seamless texture. Finishes on a succulent herb note, displaying a hint of spiciness, soft tannins and very good length. 90 pts James Suckling
The nose here shows lots of spicy character with rose petals, raspberries and a hint of herbal tea. Medium to full body, medium chewy tannin and a cherry-cake finish. Another good value wine here.

Winemaker Notes

This is a highly aromatic GSM, exhibiting aromas of raspberries, menthol, smoky BBQ notes and hints of strawberry leaf. The palate is just as alluring with red berry flavors, cinnamon spice, a juicy mid palate and lovely ferrous like tannins.